Block-O-Rama at it's "phinenest"

If you were at Toronto Pride on Sunday, July 4th you knew two things. One, it was a sizzling hot day. Two Block-O-Rama in George Hislop Park was going to going to turn the day into an inferno with the music. You knew the minute the first DJ took to the decks, the event was going to be like none other, and I am happy to report it wasn’t. During the day, the attendees were treated to the Soca, Calypso, Reggae and classic Soul all with a very gay positive vibe. Block-O-Rama for those who haven’t been following the event is very positive space…you won’t find any Beane Man blasting hate.

As the day went on, each DJ came and went to the cheers and applause of the appreciative crowd. More than what was doing the crowd in, other than music, was the oven-like heat.  By the time Jojoflores came out of the final set, hundreds of people had come and gone to share the vibe. In the heat and working up a sweat, you didn’t mind that you were literally shoulder to shoulder with people and there wasn’t much dancing room. Though from past Block-O-Rama’s this not the organizer’s fault it has to deal with the Pride Toronto Committee.

Over past few years Block-O-Rama’s biggest challenge is getting the respect it truly deserves. As this is one of the most well-attended events, though not the largest by sheer capacity, it’s location to many who were attending this year became a slight mystery. During the past few Prides, the location has moved from a spacious parking lot to well a park not able to accommodate more than 200 people. This event is usually attended by a few thousand people over the course of the day. But that’s not all.

Two Of The Hot Boys At Block-O-Rama

There are many I talked to who used the words “shameful” and “racism” to describe Block-O-Rama’s new location. In fact one angry attendee boldly stated to me, “this is not right. They [the Pride Toronto Committee] has got to stop doing this to us. My gut tells me they are threatened by Block-O-Rama and they would like us out of the way.” I would tend to agree. Block-O-Rama needs a permanent home where it can grow into the space rather than just “put up with what it has been dealt”. I hope that next year, during the planning discussions, the Blackness Yes! group finally get a stronger voice to barter for a larger space to be the permanent home for this truly unique event.

About 12 Prides ago, there wasn’t really much of an alternative to for those who wanted to have a different type of Pride. One with a bit of soul and had a different voice to be heard. Sure there were stages where, if you pardon the bold statement, black men were tolerated by gay white men. However,  to hear the really good Soul, House, R&B, Reggae or Hip-Hop really gay men of colour were at DJ’s mercy. You were hard pressed to hear any Patra, L’ll Kim, or even Rick James.  So a committee was formed made up of members of black queer and trans communities that volunteer their time to put together Block-O-Rama every year.

Now in its 12 year, Block-O-Rama is loud, proud, strong and well attended. My own experience with Block-O-Rama is a personal one.  Having been to gay parties and event all over North America I wanted to see more of soul and multi-racial side to Toronto Pride. I first attended Block-O-Rama when my friend Junior promoted it and told me about DJ Jojoflores, a Montreal DJ, who was spinning the last set. From the moment I arrived, Block-O-Rama captivated me and had me coming back every year. Though Block-O-Rama has faced a number of challenges from changing locations annually to noise complaints this multi-cultural event with black faces has risen to whatever push-back it may face.

This year exclusively for GayGuideToronto.com I bring you two of the unique faces involved with Block-O-Rama, DJ’s Jojoflores, I caught up with him in Johannesburg as he just landed, and BlackCat who have sat down with me to give me their unique views of this event’s place in Toronto Pride on Sunday, July 4th from 12-10 p.m. in George Hislop Park.

DJ Jojoflores

Based in Montreal Jojoflores has built a reputation as music’s “Mixed Tape King” and in addition to being a well known, respected and energetic DJ he is CEO of Gotsoul Records and founder of the infamous Therapy events. In addition he’s opened a club, a record shop; and produced numerous records and CD’s.  He was voted “Best International DJ” 4 years running by NYC’s Undaground Archives.  His hard work and talent have garnered an enviable corporate client list which includes the Thompson Hotel Group, MAC Cosmetics, Apple, Hugo Boss, Vanity Fair, Puma, Details Magazine, Banana Republic, Cadillac, and The Delano Hotel. Headling events with Wyclef Jean, Jody Watley, K-OS, Jazzy Jeff and D-Squared. Jojoflores is the 2010 winner of the Marc Echo Stylus Award as House DJ of the Year.

Max MacDonald:  Why DJ Block-O-Rama again?

Jojoflores: I was able to make the time of Block-O-Rama against this year. I am usually in Toronto at this time of year. Every year they invite me back and show their loyalty to me and it’s a great party. I find it shows a great artistic spirit.

MM: What’s the importance of Block-O-Rama in your mind?

JJF: Well it’s one of the few events which is soulful and ethnic. Block-O-Rama is more geared to an ethnic group and I find it nice. It’s a very community oriented event.

MM:  What can your fans and attendees expect at Block-O-Rama 12?

JJF: [Laughs] I don’t know yet. They can expect to hear same type of music presented differently.  One of the things I try and do through my music is make people dance. However, that’s sort of tough as I don’t know the direction I will go. I will probably figure it out closer to the event.

MM: What would you say to an aspiring DJ who wants to be the next Jojoflores?

JJF: Hmmm…get your name out there and give out mixed CD’s. Try to get the right gigs but respect other DJ’s. It is also important to respect the art of DJ’ing and be business savvy. You have to set goals for yourself and try to get to the next level.

For information on Jojoflores click here.

DJ BlackCat